ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT OF RURAL WOMEN UNDER MGNREGA

Abstract

The dignity of the women and their strengthening position in society could be secure when they have sound economic empowerment. Their decision–making power, potential, commitment, and the right to compete with other genders with equality could also be ensured when they have economic support through income generation projects. Therefore, the study examined the economic empowerment of rural women under MGNREGA. It also reviewed the constraints of women as a labourer, and their status under the Act. Relevant literature like journal, thesis, guidelines of the Act and news reports were used to analyze the study's various aspects using the descriptive method. It was found that the majority of the women in the rural areas depend on the wages they earn from unskilled, casual, and manual work. As most of these jobs are unstable and insecure, workers fought hardship in their families' maintenance during the lockdown. If the government fails to create job opportunities during and after the pandemic Covid-19, poverty and unemployment will lead to dislocation, conflict, alcohol abuse, household disputes, unsettled families, ill-health, abandonment in old age, and death of the head of household, etc. could happen. The most significant outcome of the study is that MGNREGA could play an influential role in the economic empowerment of rural women. It remains a set piece to bring gender equality, end poverty, and achieve inclusive economic growth. A self-sufficient economy with dignity and equality could end all the inhumane acts against women. However, effective implementation of the Act, timely utilisation of wages, and wages revision from time to time to suit the changing scenario is needed to make the Act a subject-oriented one.